The next morning Luigi found himself waking up on his own. With how Bleck acted he was half expecting him to wake him up or something but he didn't mind. He wasn't some young master or little kid so he got out of bed, got dressed, and left the room.
Once in the hallway, he came to realize just how big the place was. In the dark and being tired he couldn't really grasp the size but now it was obvious. It was HUGE! So huge Luigi was worried about getting lost.
"Bleck?" he called out. He hoped someone would hear him but there was no reply. "Mario?" he called again but still no reply. "Anyone?" he said while whimpering. There was not a sound in the house and Luigi began to get scared. He was alone in an unknown mansion with no way of knowing which way to go.
Just then he smelt something. It was familiar and calming. It was the smell of the breakfast he and his brother would always eat together. Following his nose he was able to make his way to the kitchen where to his surprise Mario sat.
"Mario!" Luigi said, lunging at his brother with happiness.
"Where were you? You left before me. When did you arrive? I am so happy you're alright." he said in his excitement. But for some reason, Mario didn't respond to him at all. "Mario?"
"Luigi," Mario said coldly to where it sent a chill down his spine.
"I got to thinking. Maybe it would be best if we don't work together," he said.
"What?" Luigi said in shock. "You must be kidding?"
"Luigi. During our time apart I realized I can do everything myself. You just seem to hold me back." he said. Luigi was stunned silent. There was no way his brother was saying those things.
"Mr. Bleck told me the reason for the mansion being in the contest and I think it shouldn't go to you. What have you ever accomplished? I mean besides the accomplishments you made with me." he said harshly. Luigi couldn't answer. "You're not fit to work with me. So just go home."
Luigi couldn't just listen anymore. "Mario, what are you saying? We are brothers. We work best as a team right?"
Mario looked at Luigi with empty eyes and said, "I am embarrassed to have a brother like you. Just get out of my sight and let me be the hero." he said harshly.
At that very moment, the scene changed to the mushroom kingdom and toads began to swarm Mario.
"Mario! Mario! Mario!" They cheered with Mario waving and loving the attention.
Luigi meanwhile was being pushed away from the crowd into a dark abyss that really scared him. "Mario help!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.
Mario looked at him and Luigi felt happy. Was this a cruel joke? Was he going to help him? No. Instead, Mario simply said, "Goodbye."
Luigi fell deeper into the darkness and yelled, "MARIO!"
The next thing he knew he woke up. He looked around, panting. He was still in his room. It was bright outside and everything went back to normal.
"A dream. That was all a dream," he told himself trying to calm down. It was probably one of the more terrifying dreams he had in a while.
Then a knock could be heard which made Luigi jump. "Luigi, it is time for breakfast," said Bleck from behind the door.
Hearing his voice calmed him down somewhat. He was able to get calm enough to get out of bed, get dressed, and open the door. Bleck was there in the lit hallway with a smile.
"Did you have a good night's sleep?" he asked in a friendly manner.
"I-i guess," Luigi said not wanting to tell him he had an awful nightmare.
"That's good. Now I will show you to the kitchen and we will have breakfast." Bleck said, leading the way down the hallway.
As they walked Luigi checked his phone again but still no missed messages. This worried him a lot. It was not normal for Mario to not contact him at all, especially when he said he would.
"Has my brother shown up yet?" Luigi asked.
"I am sorry but no. There were no guests last night," he replied.
This concerned Luigi. Where was his brother? Did he get lost? Is he hurt? What happened to him? These questions continued to spin in his head until they finally made it to the kitchen and dining area.
The kitchen was fully stocked and was connected to a spacious dining area with a large table that had already been set.
"Please set. I will bring breakfast to you soon." Bleck said walking into the kitchen.
Luigi did as he was told and sat down. While he waited he looked all around. Besides the large table in the center, there were also smaller tables with flowers in vases around the room. I cupboard with fancy dishware. More pieces of art were on the walls and windows that showed the sunny day.
However, despite the sunny day, Luigi could still feel a chill. It was cold and eerie around him. It was so silent that a pin could be heard. The silence unnerved him. He couldn't help but panic a bit as he looked all around. It looked nice but it still felt wrong. There was something wrong about this place that he just couldn't see.
Just then he heard something from outside. It was faint but he definitely heard something. When he heard it again he looked in that direction and saw a window. He was scared but he got up and looked. He could still hear the sound and it almost sounded like a voice. Maybe a name but he couldn't make it out. When he finally got to the window and looked out he saw nothing. The sounds had ceased and it was back to silence.
"Luigi?" Bleck said with a breakfast tray. The sudden mention of his name startled Luigi to where he jumped off his feet and landed on the ground. "Are you alright?" Bleck asked.
"Y-yeah. I just thought I heard something." Luigi said, pointing outside.
Bleck set the breakfast down and said, "Maybe it is your brother. I will go and see."
"Mario! Can I come?' The mention of his name got him hopeful. He hoped it was Mario and he wanted to see him right away.
"The food might get cold." Bleck pointed out.
"That's fine. I want to see my brother." Luigi said desperately.
"Ok. let's go have a look." Bleck led Luigi outside to the window he had heard the sound from.
They looked around but saw no one in sight. There weren't even any animals. Luigi was very disappointed that his brother was not there. Then with a heavy sigh, he turned around to go back in. When he did he saw something that scared him. It was a footprint but it was one of an animal he did not recognize. It was so big, and wide, and had three toes.
"B-bleck?" Luigi stuttered in fear.
Bleck came up and saw the print as well. He didn't seem bothered by it and said, "I am sure it is nothing to worry about. Let's go back inside. I am sure your brother will arrive soon."
Luigi spent no time thinking and walked away. Before leaving though he could have sworn he heard a cheerful voice. One that sounded playful instead of scary. He looked around but couldn't see anything.